Soviet Censorship explores how the Soviet Union controlled creative and political expression for over seventy years. It reveals the system was more than just political repression; it fundamentally aimed to forge a new Soviet identity.
The book delves into the intricate mechanisms of this control, highlighting the role of Glavlit, the Main Administration for Literary and Publishing Affairs, and the KGB, while also examining how artists resisted through movements like samizdat, the self-published underground literature.
The book begins by laying out the theoretical foundations of censorship under Marxism-Leninism and its early implementation. It then progresses through an examination of the institutional framework, application in various artistic domains like film and literature, and the impact on political dissent.
By drawing on archival documents and personal accounts, Soviet Censorship provides a comprehensive view of Soviet censorship, demonstrating its lasting consequences on culture and society and offering a unique perspective that acknowledges both the intended and unintended impacts of this system.
